Lift Higher: Cannabis & Workouts — The Perfect Pair

Lift Higher: Cannabis & Workouts — The Perfect Pair

Pairing cannabis with fitness used to sound like a contradiction. Today, more consumers are weaving cannabis into training routines—before a run, after lifting, or as part of a recovery-focused wind-down.

So what’s actually happening?

The research to date suggests a clear theme: cannabis may increase enjoyment and positive mood during exercise for some people, but it’s not a reliable performance enhancer—and THC can make workouts feel more effortful.

If you’re curious about “lifting higher,” the best approach is balance: understand what cannabis can (and can’t) do, use it intentionally, and keep your training consistent.

21+ only. Use responsibly. Follow local laws. Do not drive or operate machinery while impaired.

Why people pair cannabis with workouts

Most consumers aren’t using cannabis to become faster or stronger overnight. They’re using it to shift the experience of training.

Common reasons people report:

• More enjoyment and a better mood during cardio or movement-based workouts

• A stronger “in-the-zone” feeling (more present, less mentally distracted)

• An easier time sticking to a routine because training feels more rewarding

• Post-workout relaxation and a smoother wind-down (especially when used moderately)

It’s a mindset play as much as a body play: make workouts feel better, and you’re more likely to show up consistently.

The science in simple terms: cannabis, exercise, and your “runner’s high”

Exercise itself already interacts with the body’s cannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system: your built-in balance network

Your body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) involved in regulating things like mood, stress response, and perception. Physical exercise can increase endocannabinoids in the bloodstream—one reason many experts believe endocannabinoids are strong candidates behind the “runner’s high.”

In other words: your body can generate a cannabis-adjacent effect all on its own through movement.

Where cannabis fits in

Cannabis introduces plant cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) that can interact with the ECS. Depending on dose, product type, and personal sensitivity, some people may feel:

• More present in their body

• More engaged with music, rhythm, and breath

• A heightened sense of enjoyment

But “more sensation” doesn’t automatically mean “better performance.”

Does cannabis improve performance? What the evidence actually suggests

If your goal is a bigger PR, a faster 5K, or higher power output, the current evidence doesn’t support cannabis (especially THC) as a consistent enhancer.

• A major review of cannabis and athletic performance notes that studies on whole cannabis/THC generally show null or detrimental effects on strength and aerobic performance, with overall evidence still limited.

• A 2024 study on inhaled cannabis containing THC found altered physiological responses during exercise and reduced mean power output during a 20-minute cycling time trial.

• A 2024 University of Colorado Boulder study reported cannabis before exercise increased enjoyment and positive mood, but it did not enhance performance—and THC products could make exercise feel more effortful.

Takeaway: cannabis may change how exercise feels more than how you perform. For many people, that’s still valuable—because enjoyment supports consistency.

The “perfect pair” is really: cannabis + consistency

Fitness results are built on the boring stuff:

• Repeating workouts

• Progressive overload

• Enough sleep

• Nutrition and hydration

• Recovery days

• Weeks and months of showing up

If cannabis helps you enjoy movement and stick to a routine, it can indirectly support real outcomes. If it makes you skip sessions, overdo intensity, or train sloppy, it works against you.

A helpful mindset:
Use cannabis as a training accessory—not the reason you train.

Pre-workout vs post-workout: choosing the right lane

The smartest way to pair cannabis with fitness is to match the product to the moment.

Pre-workout: keep it light, clear, and familiar

If you use cannabis before training, the goal is usually:

• More enjoyment

• Better flow

• Less mental friction

Keep it low and controlled:

• Microdose rather than “go big”

• Choose familiar products you already tolerate well

• Stick to familiar workouts (don’t experiment on heavy lift days)

Avoid high-intensity new challenges while you’re testing what works for you. The CU Boulder researchers specifically emphasize starting with low potency and familiar activities for safety.

Post-workout: think “downshift,” not “knockout”

After training, many consumers aim for:

• Relaxation

• A calm evening routine

• A smoother transition into rest

Some regular exercisers who use cannabis report it helps with perceived recovery, but the research is still developing and largely self-reported—so treat it as personal experimentation, not a guarantee.

Product format matters: how to pick what fits your routine

Different formats hit differently, and timing matters as much as dose.

Flower: fast feedback, easier pacing

Flower can be easier to titrate because effects are felt sooner than edibles. If you’re experimenting with cannabis and workouts, “fast feedback” can help you find your comfort range without accidentally overdoing it.

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Pre-rolls: simple, controlled, no prep

Pre-rolls can be a straightforward option when you want to keep it simple and consistent—same product, similar dose, predictable pacing.

Explore pre-rolls:

Edibles: longer arc, higher risk of “too much”

Edibles last longer and are easier to overdo if you’re impatient. If you’re training soon, edibles can be tricky because timing is less predictable and effects may peak mid-workout.

If you do use edibles around fitness, keep it conservative and plan your timing carefully.

Browse edibles

Beverages: a more measured “sip and assess”

Beverages can feel more incremental—especially for consumers who prefer to sip slowly and check in with how they feel. They can also pair well with a post-workout wind-down when hydration is already top of mind.

Browse beverages

Finding your “right balance” for training

There’s no universal best strain or perfect product for workouts. But most people looking for a fitness-friendly experience prioritize:

• Clarity over heaviness

• Warm, steady energy over intensity

• A dose that supports movement without compromising coordination

Practical rules that work across experience levels:

• Start low. Especially with THC.

• Change one variable at a time. (Don’t switch product + dose + workout all at once.)

• Track your response. A quick note after workouts helps you find patterns.

• Don’t chase maximum potency. More isn’t better for training.

What to expect: the common “feel” shifts

Based on current studies and common user reports, the most realistic expectations are:

• You may enjoy your workout more

• You may feel more immersed in rhythm and sensation

• You may perceive effort differently (sometimes higher with THC)

• You should not assume performance gains—and THC may reduce certain outputs

That’s the real pairing: cannabis can influence perception and mood, which can influence behavior and consistency.

Safety and smart boundaries (non-negotiable)

Cannabis and workouts require judgment. Use these guardrails:

• Avoid heavy lifts or risky skills when testing. Don’t experiment on max days, complex Olympic lifts, or technical climbing.

• Hydrate. Dry mouth is common; dehydration makes workouts feel worse.

• Watch intensity. THC can affect heart rate and perceived exertion; keep early experiments moderate.

• No driving impaired. Plan your session and your ride.

• If you compete, know the rules. THC rules vary by sport and competition context.

• If you’re prone to anxiety, go lower. High-THC can be too stimulating for some people—especially in a high-heart-rate environment.

If anything feels off—dizziness, panic, or unusual discomfort—stop, hydrate, and choose a calmer setting next time.

A simple “Cannabis + Workout” starter plan

If you want the benefits of consistency without the downside of overdoing it, try this structure:

Week 1: baseline

Train as usual. Note:

• Energy

• Enjoyment

• Perceived effort

• Sleep

Week 2: microdose test (one workout type only)

Pick one familiar workout (like an easy run, a long walk, or a light lift day). Use a minimal amount and keep everything else the same.

Week 3: refine

Adjust only one variable:

• Slightly different dose or

• Different product format

Your goal is not intensity—it’s a repeatable routine that supports training.

We bring the mood—your consistency brings the results.

How to shop intentionally in Sacramento

Build your routine by browsing categories and keeping choices simple:

• Shop all: /menu/

• Flower: /menu/categories/flower/

• Pre-rolls: /menu/categories/prerolls/

• Edibles: /menu/categories/edibles/

• Beverages: /menu/categories/beverages/

• Deals & bundles: /deals/menu/

• Delivery coverage: /where-we-deliver/

• More education: /cg-blog/

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